An amazing city that combines the atmosphere of merchant Russia and a modern metropolis. The great Russian river Volga flows here, the landscapes of which can be appreciated from the Nizhne-Volzhskaya and Verkhne-Volzhskaya embankments, as well as from the height of the Cable Car. A particularly picturesque place is Strelka - the confluence of the Oka and the Volga. There are many interesting buildings on it - the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Nizhny Novgorod stadium.
Among the sights there are magnificent ancient monasteries, defensive structures, and museums with interesting collections. An important place is occupied by the old Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin with the ancient Archangel Michael Cathedral. Most of the monuments of architecture and culture are located in the historic center of the city. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya and Rozhdestvenskaya streets are especially rich in architectural masterpieces.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photo with names and descriptions of popular sights of the city.
Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin
The ancient complex, which is the architectural "heart" of the city and a popular tourist attraction. Built at the beginning of the 16th century. A large-scale reconstruction of the Kremlin took place at the end of the 20th century, the destroyed walls and towers were restored. Walking on thick walls is allowed, and several towers are also available for visiting. On the territory of the Kremlin there are churches and monuments, museums, administrative buildings, souvenir shops.
For the top places in the region, see: the main attractions of the Nizhny Novgorod region
Nizhne-Volzhskaya embankment
A picturesque long street in the historic center of the city. One of the favorite places for walking among guests and residents of the city. Here you can enjoy the beauty of the famous Volga River and the place of its confluence with the Oka River, as well as see the city's iconic sights - the Chkalovskaya Staircase, the Hero boat, the city's symbol - a silver deer, and several dozen art figures. River cruise vouchers can be purchased at the River Station.
Verkhne-Volzhskaya embankment
A beautiful street on the banks of the Volga is about 2 km long. Its transformation began by order of Nicholas II. On the boulevard, the Aleksandrovsky Garden was built - a park area in the English style. Along the embankment there are many old mansions and estates, monumental buildings of Stalin's times, a model of the Nieuport plane. Sitting in small cozy cafes, you can enjoy the wonderful Volga landscapes.
Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street
The main tourist street of the city, the pedestrian section of which is 1200 meters. Previously, this ancient street was considered a noble street. Nowadays it is always crowded - tourists are attracted by old houses, many of which are architectural monuments, unusual sculptures and monuments. Here, as well as on the Moscow Arbat, street artists and musicians, artisans gather.
Nizhny Novgorod ropeway
It is a means of transportation for city residents and a popular tourist destination for guests of Nizhny Novgorod. The cable car connects the city of Bor and Nizhny Novgorod. Its length is 3661 meters. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Volga from above. The cabins are comfortable, with a beautiful view of the beauty of nature through the windows. The duration of the walk is 12 minutes one way.
Pechersky Ascension Monastery
One of the main architectural landmarks of the city. The monastery was founded in 1328 in a beautiful place on the banks of the Volga. The basis of the architectural ensemble is made up of churches erected in the 16th century. The central figure is the Ascension Cathedral and the bell tower. You can get acquainted with the history of the creation of the monastery in the museum, the exposition of which consists of archival documents and ancient finds. Guided tours are conducted around the monastery.
See also: 20 main monasteries of the Nizhny Novgorod region
Nizhny Novgorod State Art Museum
The main building is located on the territory of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. Founded in 1896. During this time, an impressive collection of works of art has been collected in its funds. The paintings of such artists as Repin, Makovsky, Bogolyubov are exhibited. One of the permanent exhibitions is a collection of art silver. The building on the Verkhnevolzhskaya embankment houses collections of works by Western European masters.
Museum-reserve "Shchelokovsky farm"
Ethnographic open-air museum. On the vast territory there are architectural masterpieces of wooden architecture from the period of the late 17th - early 20th centuries. In a visual form, visitors are shown the way of life and the way of village life. A total of 16 buildings are presented. There are huts, built without a single nail, barns, mills, houses of wealthy merchants. The furnishings have been recreated inside - cradles, shelves, stove, icons.
Memorial "Gorky - to the front"
It is an open-air exhibition of military equipment near the walls of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. Presented are samples of weapons that were produced by the city's factories in wartime - a T-34 tank, armored cars, an LA-5 fighter, a BM-13 Katyusha, a mortar, cannons and a cabin of the S-13 submarine. At the entrance there are granite memorial plates with commemorative words. Every year, solemn meetings are held at the memorial.
Spit of the Oka and Volga
One of the main city attractions, representing the confluence of two rivers. You cannot enter this territory - it is fenced off. However, beautiful views of the Strelka open from the opposite bank - from the Volga River embankment or from the observation deck of the Dyatlovy Gory Mountains. From it you can see the sights of Strelka - the Nizhny Novgorod stadium, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Architectural landmarks of Nizhny Novgorod
Monuments of architecture and urban planning. Interesting buildings and structures of the city.
Chkalovskaya stairs
Located between the Volga embankment and the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. The 15-meter staircase has just over 500 steps. Built in the form of the number "8", the rings of the number symbolize the German troops who held Stalingrad under siege. From the observation platforms of the stairs, a picturesque view of the Volga and Oka opens. The views are especially wonderful in the dark, when the walls of the Kremlin are illuminated. A monument to the pilot Chkalov is erected on the platform at the top of the stairs.
State Bank building
Built in 1911 and is one of the most recognizable buildings in Nizhny Novgorod. Over its more than a century history, the building has never changed its appearance and purpose. Its appearance resembles an old Russian tower. The style of the building combines features of Romanesque architecture and Russian architecture of the 17th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, almost the entire gold reserve of the country was stored in the branch of the Nizhny Novgorod State Bank.
Main Fair House
The magnificent building impresses with the luxury of decoration and scale. This is the most recognizable and beautiful building of the Nizhny Novgorod Fair complex. It was built in 1890 in the Old Russian style, popular at that time among merchant houses. On the first floor there were 70 shops. Currently, it houses exhibition halls, and the main room houses the multimedia exhibition "Russia - My History".
The estate of S. M. Rukavishnikov
A magnificent mansion in the style of Italian palaces was built at the end of the 19th century on the Verkhne-Volzhskaya embankment. Among other historical buildings of the city, the Rukavishnikov estate stands out for its special sophistication of design. Currently, it houses one of the branches of the Nizhny Novgorod Museum of History and Architecture. Children's interactive events "At the Fairy's Ball", "Learning - Light", "In the Merchant House" are held.
Dmitrievskaya tower
One of the towers of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. It is considered one of the symbols of the city and the main fortress gate. Built at the beginning of the 16th century. The modern look of the pseudo-Russian style was given in 1895. Now the tower houses an exhibition hall, which hosts historical exhibitions. There are souvenir shops in the passageway of the tower. At night, the tower is illuminated and looks very beautiful from the side of the facade.
House-commune "Cultural Revolution"
An interesting building of the Soviet period in the style of constructivism. Several residential buildings of the 30s of the XX century are connected by pendant passages, communal blocks are separately identified. Among other similar buildings, the commune house stands out for its unique size and architectural form of buildings. One of the few similar buildings in the country, which is still used for its original purpose.
Cultural landmarks of Nizhny Novgorod
The most famous and popular museums and theaters in the city.
Nizhny Novgorod Drama Theater named after M. Gorky
One of the oldest in the country. Its history spans over 200 theatrical seasons. During this time, he changed more than 10 names. Since 1901, all the plays of Maxim Gorky have been staged on its stage, and several excerpts from prose have been staged. The theater troupe includes Honored Artists of the Russian Federation. The theater successfully tours, participates in Russian and international major theater festivals.
Multimedia Historical Park "Russia - My History"
Located in the main Fairgrounds. It is an interactive exhibition that tells about the history of Russia from ancient times to the present. The area of the entire exposition is 4500 m². It is part of an ambitious project covering the entire country. The idea of the exhibition is to present history in a vivid and exciting way, to give visitors the opportunity to be involved in the history of the Fatherland.
Museum of the History of Arts and Crafts
Located on Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street. Its funds consist of 4,000 works by masters of arts and crafts. The expositions are displayed in interiors stylized as a merchant's house, a peasant's dwelling, a village church. On the first floor of the building there is a popular shop "National Crafts", and on the third floor there is a Technical Museum. His exhibitions tell about the mechanisms of the 19th century.
Nizhny Novgorod Opera and Ballet Theater named after A.S. Pushkin
Founded in 1935. Located in the building of the People's House in 1903, designed by Malinovsky. In 2016, the building underwent a large-scale reconstruction - the facades, interior, auditorium were updated. The theater seats over 1000 spectators. Every year since 1996, the all-Russian festival "Boldinskaya Autumn" has been held on the stage of the Tetra. Nowadays, the theater's productions combine aesthetic modern requirements and cultural traditions.
Museum of the history of OJSC "GAZ"
The formation of the museum's automobile collection began in the middle of the 20th century. Some of the unique exhibits have no analogues in the world. Each vintage car has undergone a thorough restoration. Some cars took part in the filming of such cult films as "Three plus two", "The Diamond Arm", "Beware of the car". Also on display are archival documents, drawings, items of the Soviet era.
Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium and Circus
Two cultural institutions are located in neighboring buildings on the banks of the Oka. One of the oldest planetariums in the country, founded in 1948, is housed in a modern building. Its first floor is occupied by a unique starry sky projector, designed in 1923. The digital planetarium is located on the second floor. The stone building of the circus was erected in 1964 and has a capacity of 1719 seats. The circus program changes every season.
Museum "Locomotives of Russia"
Located in the open air near the Sortirovochny Lake. 20 samples of restored railway equipment are on display. You can enter some of the locomotives, take photographs, touch technical details. Each exhibit has an information stand. In the historical part of the museum there are models of old trains and stations, guided tours are conducted. The entrance to the museum is free.
Russian Museum of Photography
It contains a collection of photoliterature, photographic equipment, photographs from the period of the XIX-XX centuries. All-Russian and international photo festivals are held on the basis of the museum. In the museum's funds over its 15-year history, about 175,000 exhibits have accumulated. The museum is located in the 19th century building of the Poltseva estate. Previously, a photo studio of world famous photographers Dmitriev and Karelin was located in its premises.
Places of worship - churches and temples
Places of power, beautiful religious buildings with an interesting ancient history.
Alexander Nevsky New Fair Cathedral
Included in all city guides. The cathedral is one of the three highest in the country. Its height is 87 meters. Located on the Strelka at the confluence of the Oka and Volga, not far from the fairgrounds, from where it got its name. The cathedral was built at the end of the 19th century in the style of architectural eclecticism. It contains a large number of shrines - relics and icons. A 4-meter bell weighing 60 tons is installed near the cathedral.
See also: Operating churches and cathedrals in Nizhny Novgorod
Michael the Archangel Cathedral
The oldest surviving stone temple in the city. The white-stone cathedral is located on the territory of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. Its history began at the beginning of the 13th century. The cathedral was rebuilt several times; it took its modern look in 1631. At the entrance to the cathedral, there are monuments to Bishop Semyon of Suzdal and Yuri Vsevolodovich, the founder of Nizhny Novgorod. There is a memorial complex with the Eternal Flame nearby.
Christmas (Stroganov) Church
The federal monument, which is an excellent example of the Stroganov Baroque style. The construction of the church began in 1696, but due to a strong fire, it ended only in 1719. The five-domed temple is adorned with lush décor. White stone details - vines, fruits, fancy ornament - make the church, according to many tourists, one of the most beautiful in the city. The building was built on a high slope not far from the Volga bank.
Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist at the Auction
Located on the National Unity Square. The estimated date of construction is the 15th century. From the porch of this particular church, then still wooden, Kuzma Minin gathered the people's militia. Over the years, the church has been redesigned several times; the last large-scale reconstruction took place in the 2000s. The church was built on a hill at the foot of the walls of the Novgorod Kremlin. The church is crowned with five gilded chapters with crosses.
Spassky Old Fair Cathedral
Founded in 1818. It is one of the oldest buildings related to the Nizhny Novgorod fair. The style of construction is late classicism; strict straight lines form the basis of the architectural appearance. The majestic white-stone cathedral is 40 meters high and until 2009 was the city's cathedral. Its iconostasis is designed according to Orthodox canons. The shrines of the temple are several icons with particles of the relics of saints.
Annunciation Monastery
Located at the confluence of the Oka and Volga. This is a majestic monument of Russian architecture, consisting of several white-stone churches. The consecrated Hot Spring is located nearby. The monastery was built almost simultaneously with the construction of the city. It survived several fires, devastation, for some time the Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium was located within its walls. Now it is a place that inspires awe even for non-religious people.
Nizhny Novgorod Cathedral Mosque
The main Muslim temple in the city. Has been working since 1915. It is located on the Kazanskaya embankment, next to the station of the Nizhny Novgorod cable car. It has an interesting architectural appearance with a peculiar style. The mosque has a capacity of 5,000 people, while it does not look like a powerful and monumental structure.The elegant and slender building harmoniously combines with the nearby Dombrowski mansion.
Monuments to famous people
Famous monuments adorning the squares and streets of the city.
Monument to Minin and Pozharsky
It is a miniature copy of the famous monument on Red Square in Moscow. The monument in Nizhny Novgorod is located on the National Unity Square near the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. The Moscow monument was originally cast for Nizhny Novgorod, but by order of Alexander I it was left in the capital. The Nizhny Novgorod monument appeared only in 2005. The sculptor Zurab Tsereteli worked on it.
Recommended reading: 30 most famous monuments of Nizhny Novgorod
Monument to Valery Chkalov
The monument to the famous Soviet pilot was erected in 1940. The author of the monument was Chkalov's friend I.A. Mendelevich. Installed on the edge of the slope, at the Chkalovskaya stairs. On this Volga slope, Chkalov and Mendelevich dreamed of erecting a monument to Maxim Gorky. The pedestal of the monument depicts maps of the North Pole, which symbolizes the feat of the legendary pilot - a non-stop flight from the USSR to the USA via the North Pole.
Monument to Maxim Gorky
Opened in 1952 in the Gorky public garden. The monument is 7 meters high. The sculptor is Vera Mukhina, the authors of the project are Shteller and Lebedev. The writer is depicted as young, during his life in Nizhny Novgorod, when he wrote the legendary "Song of the Petrel". The tetrahedral pedestal seems to be a continuation of the granite rock. The monument is a cultural heritage site of both regional and federal significance.
Monument to Peter I
Installed on the Nizhne-Volzhskaya embankment in 2014. Located opposite the Zinovievskaya tower of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. The authors are the sculptor Shchitov and the architect Shorokhov. The bronze figure of Peter I is 3.7 meters high. The massive pedestal is made of concrete and granite. The Tsar seems to be examining the Volga expanses stretching out in front of him, and is holding in his hand a scroll with a decree on the founding of the Nizhny Novgorod province.
City gardens and parks
Nice places where you can go for a walk, breathe fresh air.
Sormovsky Park of Culture and Rest
One of the favorite places for rest of the townspeople, as well as city residents. Most of the park, with an area of 146 hectares, is made up of relict pines. There are sections of mixed forest, linden and elm alleys, an oak grove. Among the greenery of the park is a large lake with swans and ducks. The park is landscaped - there are cafes, places for entertainment and active recreation, attractions, including the Ferris wheel, a zoo.
Victory Park
Located on the Nizhne-Volzhskaya embankment. Founded in 1985. Among the alleys and flower beds, there is an exhibition of military equipment - BMP, Katyusha, T-34 and T-10 M tanks, MIG-27 aircraft, cannons, as well as civilian equipment and an airplane. Most of the equipment was produced in Nizhny Novgorod. All items on display can be touched, which is especially popular with children. Various festive events are held in the park.
Park "Switzerland"
Founded in 1903. Located on the banks of the Oka. It got its name from the wonderful view of the river and forest openings from the park. On holidays, folk festivals and entertainment events are held here. At the site at the beginning of the park, there are amusement rides - a Ferris wheel 40 meters high, an autodrome, a children's train, carousels, and a trampoline. There are cafes and restaurants throughout the park.
Avtozavodsky park
One of the most popular holiday destinations in Nizhny Novgorod. The park was founded in 1935, its area is about 100 hectares and includes two lakes. There are many green spaces and beautiful alleys in the park, there are fountains, an area with exercise equipment, two playgrounds with attractions - the Chipollino children's playground and the Retropark. There are catering points, benches are installed. In winter, the skating rink is filled in and slides are equipped for skiing.
Park "Dubki"
The park was founded in 1950 and has been developing and improving since then. It has a plot with century-old oak trees. There is a playground with attractions for children and adults at the main entrance. There are pedestrian paths and benches in the park. During the last reconstruction of the park, new lighting was installed, paths for Nordic walking and ski tracks were laid, green pleasures were put in order.
Zoo "Limpopo"
Included in the list of the best zoos in the country. This is the first private zoo in Russia, which was founded by the owner of a cafe in Sormovsky Park. Once he picked up a wounded owl and went out, after which people began to bring him animals in need of care. In total, the zoo is home to about 1200 animals of 230 different species. The territory of the park is 7 hectares. In the contact area of the zoo, you can feed the animals, take a photo with them.
Natural sights of Nizhny Novgorod
Meshchersky lake
Located in a residential area near the confluence of the Oka and Volga. Its length is 1.2 km, width is 140 meters. Until 2013, the swampy lake was overgrown with reeds, but it was decided to put it in order before the World Cup. At present, the territory of the lake has been landscaped - a beach area, playgrounds and a SPA have been equipped on the gentle banks. Swimming in the lake is officially prohibited.
More about nature: 25 interesting natural monuments in Nizhny Novgorod
What else to see and where to go?
Football stadium "Nizhny Novgorod"
Located on the Strelka. It is a multifunctional sports complex of international class. Its total area is 127,500 m², the capacity is over 45,000 seats. A modern classical-style building is perfectly visible from the opposite bank of the Volga and together with the ancient Alexander Nevsky Cathedral they make up an unusual ensemble, especially in the dark, when illuminated by illumination.
Fedorovsky embankment
According to many tourists, it is the best observation deck in the city. It is located on the Oksky slope in the historic district of the city. From here you can clearly see the Oka and its opposite bank, the Strelka with the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the historic buildings of Rozhdestvenskaya Street, and the Kanavinsky Bridge. This bridge is the oldest crossing in the city - it was built in 1930. It has an arched structure and an openwork slender appearance.
Christmas street
It has a length of just over 1 kilometer and has a preserved historical appearance - there are 35 architectural monuments on it. The most interesting of them are the Christmas Church, Blinovsky Passage, the house of the Volzhsko-Kamsky Bank, the estate of the Golitsyn and Stroganovs. The street stretches from the National Unity Square near the walls of the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin to the Annunciation Monastery. There are many unusual cafes, bars and shops on it.
